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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 11-15-2019, 04:59 PM
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Default The Masterpiece Trifecta

My K22 Masterpiece (Sep 1953), K32 Masterpiece (Jun 1955), and the K38 Masterpiece (Nov 1949). What a trio of 5 Screw beauties! All with matching numbers and period correct boxes. Roy has already provided letters on the 22 & 38, the request for the K32 will go out on Monday, love the history of these old revolvers.

We used to call it a perfect bet at the Dog Track when someone hit the Trifecta (sadly I never did) But to this old guy it feels pretty much the same as winning that bet would have. The K32 just arrived today, purchased from a forum member, and I couldn’t wait to show it along with its partners. While the 32 is not nearly as nice as the other two, it just doesn’t matter to me, just to get to hold (and when the rain stops tomorrow to shoot) is a real thrill.

And ain’t they pretty sitting on those gold boxes?
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Old 11-15-2019, 05:04 PM
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Well done!
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Old 11-15-2019, 05:09 PM
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Very nice!

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Old 11-15-2019, 05:10 PM
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Beautiful. Doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy shooting them.
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Old 11-15-2019, 05:55 PM
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I have the k38 pre 14, k38 pre 15 and the k22, at the time my LGS had the k32 didn’t know what it was I passed. I passed on a 38/44 too.

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Old 11-15-2019, 06:04 PM
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Congrats. What a neat accomplishment. And...as a box lover, yes... yes it is VERY nice to see them sitting on their gold boxes.

Thanks for sharing,
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Old 11-15-2019, 06:37 PM
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I have a dream....
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Old 11-15-2019, 06:47 PM
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All of the above comments - Indeed!
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Old 11-15-2019, 08:12 PM
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Wow, just wow. Awesome acquisition sir.
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Old 11-15-2019, 10:58 PM
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In 1988 when Yellowstone was on fire we were in Livingston, MT and I visited Mike Venturino. We went downstairs to his gun room and one of the guns he showed me was a K32. Then his Triplelock Target and a Colt single action. I had already read articles about both S&Ws. Later one on the Colt. He sure had a lot of praise for those two rare Smiths.
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Old 11-15-2019, 11:12 PM
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Hitting the trifecta gives a great feeling of accomplishment. I had owned my late forties vintage K-22 and -38 for years, and I finally had a K-32 recreated in Model 16-3 configuration, so it’s a slight mismatch, but I’ve got all three. I hope you’ll have as much fun with your three as I’ve been having with mine.

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Old 11-16-2019, 12:02 AM
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Kind of a Duke's mixture here also, but for the second time in my life I have all three. A K-22, a Model 16 Nickel and a Model 14-1...
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Old 11-16-2019, 03:43 AM
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As said above, it doesn't get much better than that. And with the boxes.
Well done!
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Old 11-16-2019, 09:12 AM
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Here is my set of 4 screws. The K32 in the center.
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Old 11-16-2019, 10:32 AM
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You are still missing a Masterpiece model. Don't forget the K22 Masterpiece, 2nd Model. I don't have one of those either.
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Old 11-16-2019, 03:41 PM
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Gary, is that the wide barrel (I’m sure that’s the wrong description), but they made them in each configuration didn’t they? My K38 is a 1949 so it’s wide, as is the K32 since it is a 1955 (think they stopped in 1950, maybe?). My K22 is a 1953 with the narrow top strap.

Now I’m really confused LOL!
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Old 11-16-2019, 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
Hitting the trifecta gives a great feeling of accomplishment. I had owned my late forties vintage K-22 and -38 for years, and I finally had a K-32 recreated in Model 16-3 configuration, so it’s a slight mismatch, but I’ve got all three. I hope you’ll have as much fun with your three as I’ve been having with mine.

Froggie
Thanks Froggie! We’ve talked (on here) before and I value your opinion as well as many others. This K32 is far from perfect, as for my experience, I can count on one finger how many I’ve seen in person, and that includes this one :-). When I first saw it next to my others the brighter blue stood out, which I thought was odd, but I later learned that the 1955’s (and I’m sure others) were finished brighter than the matte finishes on my K22 & K38. They are in much better shape also. The bluing on the K32 is not in the best of condition.

I’ve added a few more pictures, and would sincerely appreciate your opinion on its condition, and of course the opinion of any others who would care to comment. I know only what I’ve read on the forum and in the 4th Standard Catalog, so all opinions are welcome.

Thank you all in advance!
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Old 11-16-2019, 05:18 PM
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Gary, is that the wide barrel (I’m sure that’s the wrong description), but they made them in each configuration didn’t they? . . .
Actually, the first K22 Masterpiece revolver was made just before WWII, with a total of just over 1000 made. This model did not have a rib. The first K frame 22 was called the Outdoorsman and made from 1930 to 1940. The second model, made from 1940 to 1942, was the very first K22 Masterpiece.

The wide rib you are thinking about , introduced in the early 1950s for the K38, was named the K38 Heavy Masterpiece. Some shooters wanted a set of revolvers that were the same weight as the K22, so the factory started making a larger barrel and a wide rib to match the weight of the K22.
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Old 11-16-2019, 05:40 PM
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Beautiful !!!!!!!

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Old 11-16-2019, 06:17 PM
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Here is my set of 4 screws. The K32 in the center.
Ed
A trio of beauties Ed, nice set!
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Old 11-16-2019, 06:32 PM
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I too bought mine from a Forum member. Got a great deal too. I made the first call to buy the revolver and others were lined up just in case I didn't want it. At a little over $2,000, I could not pass it up. # 157445, was shipped 10-10-52. Big Larry

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Old 11-16-2019, 08:32 PM
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I too bought mine from a Forum member. Got a great deal too. I made the first call to buy the revolver and others were lined up just in case I didn't want it. At a little over $2,000, I could not pass it up. # 157445, was shipped 10-10-52. Big Larry

Beautiful K32 Big Larry, and are my eyes right? That looks like a matte finish for the 1952 version. Very close to what I paid for this one, and I’m very happy! Having seen a good number of your posts and bits of your collection, I’m betting it is a pristine revolver.

Based on the auctions I’ve seen, I think $2k is a VERY reasonable price (assuming $2k could ever be considered reasonable for what was probably a $40-50 gun when new), but that’s the world we live in these days.
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Old 11-17-2019, 12:13 AM
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Thanks Froggie! We’ve talked (on here) before and I value your opinion as well as many others. This K32 is far from perfect, as for my experience, I can count on one finger how many I’ve seen in person, and that includes this one :-). When I first saw it next to my others the brighter blue stood out, which I thought was odd, but I later learned that the 1955’s (and I’m sure others) were finished brighter than the matte finishes on my K22 & K38. They are in much better shape also. The bluing on the K32 is not in the best of condition.

I’ve added a few more pictures, and would sincerely appreciate your opinion on its condition, and of course the opinion of any others who would care to comment. I know only what I’ve read on the forum and in the 4th Standard Catalog, so all opinions are welcome.

Thank you all in advance!
There's too much variance in looking at pictures to do more than a very rough guess at condition, but from what I see, it looks pretty spectacular. I'd give it at least 95%+, probably more like 98%. With that model, anything more than what I'm seeing would just about have to be NIB to be noticeably better. I will say without fear of contradiction, I would be proud to own it.

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Old 11-17-2019, 03:16 AM
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That's a nice trifecta or "perfecta".

So if I understand correctly, the three ribs are three different widths, and are a matching weight set.

Did the K22 letter indicate the .5" target hammer was originally ordered on it? Because if not, I'd swap it out for the original short action "fish hook" hammer. And have a completely matching threesome.
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Old 11-17-2019, 08:42 AM
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Hey Leo918, I was so distracted admiring the K-32 that NavySCPO is showing, I nearly missed your nickel K-32 altogether! That is an oddity of a rarity! Does it letter with those target grips too? That would add another level of unusual-ness! Suffice to say, I’m “green with envy!”

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Old 11-17-2019, 10:37 AM
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Froggie:
Sad to say the Nickel Model 16 with "Cokes" is a concoction that letters as a blue gun. I added the probably modified, though perfect k frame coke bottle grips just for fun.
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Old 11-17-2019, 12:28 PM
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Beautiful K32 Big Larry, and are my eyes right? That looks like a matte finish for the 1952 version. Very close to what I paid for this one, and I’m very happy! Having seen a good number of your posts and bits of your collection, I’m betting it is a pristine revolver.

Based on the auctions I’ve seen, I think $2k is a VERY reasonable price (assuming $2k could ever be considered reasonable for what was probably a $40-50 gun when new), but that’s the world we live in these days.
Hello Sailor, and thank you for your service to our country. I too have the trifecta and then some. Most of my post war, Korean war guns have the matt finish. I have one 1956 and two 1957-1958 guns that are high polish. Personally, I think that finish looks bad, but what are you going to do.
My K32 is a tad over 95%. 100% matching numbers. I have yet to fire it, although I have been donated some ammo. Big Larry. USMCR 60-68. Semper Fi Sailor.
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Old 11-17-2019, 12:45 PM
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That's a nice trifecta or "perfecta".

So if I understand correctly, the three ribs are three different widths, and are a matching weight set.

Did the K22 letter indicate the .5" target hammer was originally ordered on it? Because if not, I'd swap it out for the original short action "fish hook" hammer. And have a completely matching threesome.
Thank you Jim, good eye! No sir, the letter did not indicate a Target Hammer, so it’s fair to assume someone changed it out. I do want to replace it with the correct hammer, I see you mention the ‘fish hook’ type, is there a particular width or other identifying information? I’ve looked and there seem to be several available for this, I want to be sure I get the right one for a 1953 ship date.

Thanks again to all who have provided your comments.
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Old 11-17-2019, 12:53 PM
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Hello Sailor, and thank you for your service to our country. I too have the trifecta and then some. Most of my post war, Korean war guns have the matt finish. I have one 1956 and two 1957-1958 guns that are high polish. Personally, I think that finish looks bad, but what are you going to do.
My K32 is a tad over 95%. 100% matching numbers. I have yet to fire it, although I have been donated some ammo. Big Larry. USMCR 60-68. Semper Fi Sailor.
And Thank You for your service Sir! I was a bit behind you, USN 1970-1993, retired Senior Chief, best years of my life. The Marine Corps and Navy have a special bond unlike any other, proud to have been a small part of that. Semper Fi Marine!
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Old 11-18-2019, 12:24 AM
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Thank you Jim, good eye! No sir, the letter did not indicate a Target Hammer, so it’s fair to assume someone changed it out. I do want to replace it with the correct hammer, I see you mention the ‘fish hook’ type, is there a particular width or other identifying information? I’ve looked and there seem to be several available for this, I want to be sure I get the right one for a 1953 ship date.

Thanks again to all who have provided your comments.
The correct hammer is exactly like your other two Ks, but of course center fire like the K 38. Correct terminology is the High Speed Hammer, first hammer used when the high speed action, or short action was introduced on the K frames in 1948.
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Old 11-18-2019, 12:41 AM
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Congrats and welcome to the Trifecta Club!

I finally got my K32 LERK a few years back to complete my triple play, it's a wonderful thing!

Enjoy!
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Old 11-18-2019, 07:30 PM
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Congrats and welcome to the Trifecta Club!

I finally got my K32 LERK a few years back to complete my triple play, it's a wonderful thing!

Enjoy!
Thanks Tom, there are so few of these in circulation it sure makes you proud to have the set. I know there are subtle differences so you could spend a fortune trying to get all the variations. Such as your K32 LERK, an even rarer bird, and very cool look to my eye.

Just having the 3 is an accomplishment I really never thought I’d be able to pull off, but I have been lucky and blessed in more ways than one, especially when you factor in I just started this search in earnest about 6 months ago. I’ll probably never quit collecting Smith & Wessons, in fact I picked up a nice 65-3 and a 60’s dated Model 49 just this week, but probably never another like this.
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Old 11-18-2019, 10:40 PM
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Or for fun, you could go with the "CincoFecta" by throwing in the combat versions.

pre-14,15,16,17,18.....

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Old 11-20-2019, 11:25 PM
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Or for fun, you could go with the "CincoFecta" by throwing in the combat versions.

pre-14,15,16,17,18.....
You know I forgot to include the combat versions of the .22 and .38.......will have to drag those two out for a family photo someday!!

If only they made a combat version of the K-32!!!
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Old 11-21-2019, 08:19 AM
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...If only they made a combat version of the K-32!!!
There are a few of the 4" K-32's out there, but they are few and far between...
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Old 11-21-2019, 09:02 AM
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Never really understood the .32 Masterpiece and have almost no experience with a .32 revolver. My Dad's centerfire pistol in the police league in the 50s and 60s was his 6" Colt New Service .357 with King sights and his home rolled .38 wadcuttter reloads

Seems like not many K-32 around; so I'm assuming it was not real popular
even back in the days of bulls-eye competition. Is the .32 an inherently accurate round?

That said having the set is way cooool......I know a couple guys at the NE Ohio Bunching have talked about their search for completing their sets....if they could find a K-32 Masterpiece.
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Old 11-21-2019, 10:54 AM
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Never really understood the .32 Masterpiece and have almost no experience with a .32 revolver. My Dad's centerfire pistol in the police league in the 50s and 60s was his 6" Colt New Service .357 with King sights and his home rolled .38 wadcuttter reloads

Seems like not many K-32 around; so I'm assuming it was not real popular
even back in the days of bulls-eye competition. Is the .32 an inherently accurate round?

That said having the set is way cooool......I know a couple guys at the NE Ohio Bunching have talked about their search for completing their sets....if they could find a K-32 Masterpiece.
Yes the 32 S&W L is an inherently accurate round... in fact, in an indoor range at 50 feet or 25 yds, it is pretty much of a world beater. I can only guess that the 38 Spl had such a head start in popularity due to its widespread use in LEO circles that the K-38 got an overwhelming lead on its smaller sibling. Of course with all the ammo development that went on, target ammo in 38 Spl. got to be pretty accurate as well.

The cost of owning a dedicated CF target revolver In 32 when a perfectly fine 38 was there probably discouraged all but the most rabid target shooters from springing for the K-32, which meant that latter day collectors would have a smaller supply to draw from.

One of these days I just have to get up to NE OH and meet up face to face with some of my e-friends in that esteemed “Bunch.”

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Old 11-21-2019, 11:04 AM
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You know I forgot to include the combat versions of the .22 and .38.......will have to drag those two out for a family photo someday!!

If only they made a combat version of the K-32!!!
I was going to post (before somebody beat me to it) that Smith did make a Combat Masterpiece in 32 S&W L, but from what I’ve seen posted here, the number is under a couple of dozen altogether, and they seem to all hold highly valued positions in advanced collections. There have indeed been a few posted with pix on this very forum.

If you want another challenge, try collecting up a set of K-frame revolvers in all three calibers without adjustable sights. M&P versions of the 22 and 32 to go along with the ubiquitous 38 M&P were made, but both in limited numbers for special orders. Now that would be a worthy quest!

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Old 11-21-2019, 11:41 AM
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Green Frog

I have the M&P trifecta. I got lucky on finding the .32 and I bid a lot more money than I wanted to on the .22.
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Old 11-21-2019, 02:00 PM
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You know I forgot to include the combat versions of the .22 and .38.......will have to drag those two out for a family photo someday!!

If only they made a combat version of the K-32!!!
As RKMesa posted, there are 10 or 11 known Combat K32s reported in the SCSW, made in 1949. So it's possible to have a Hexafecta! And wiregrassguy has posted his even more rare factory 5".

In the same period something approaching 5000 4" 32 M&Ps were churned out by the factory.
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Old 11-21-2019, 02:51 PM
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Green Frog

I have the M&P trifecta. I got lucky on finding the .32 and I bid a lot more money than I wanted to on the .22.
This deserves its own thread [U]with pictures[U] we LOOOVE pictures!

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Old 11-21-2019, 03:17 PM
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With all the Trifecta discussion, there are also the:

1. The Narrow Rib Trifecta, including the large knob subset.
2. The Wide Rib 5-screw Trifecta
3. The 4-Screw Model Numbered Trifecta
4. etc...

This is a fun area of collecting. And to all those who have amassed any of the Masterpiece Trifectas, A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!
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Old 11-21-2019, 06:01 PM
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Talking “Fecta Mania”

Now you guys are just being mean...Trifecta, Quinafecta, Hexafecta...Perfecta...

And you know full well I don’t have enough funds or time left on this earth to begin to get them all. (and if my wife knew what I paid for this trio my time on earth would be shortened...significantly!

But it sure is fun trying...
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Old 11-21-2019, 06:04 PM
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Green Frog

Posting photos is above and beyond my capabilities to do so I don't post any. Sorry.
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Old 11-22-2019, 08:15 AM
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Green Frog

Posting photos is above and beyond my capabilities to do so I don't post any. Sorry.
If you need help posting pix, I would be glad to provide it. In a pinch, you can even e-mail them to me for posting.

If you have pictures in your computer you wish to post, it is simple to go to the "Go Advanced" mode, then click "Manage Attachments" "Choose File" and "Upload." Once the desired file shows up (as a sort of yellow label) finish your post and hit "Submit Reply." If I can do it...

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Old 11-22-2019, 06:29 PM
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Default NICE!

NICE! Congratulations and Happy Holidays!
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Old 11-22-2019, 10:59 PM
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Congratulations, Danny, and thanks for sharing with us!!

Best Regards, Les
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Old 11-23-2019, 01:18 PM
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Nice Smiths and collections of Smiths.
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Old 11-25-2019, 07:24 AM
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Green Frog

Posting photos is above and beyond my capabilities to do so I don't post any. Sorry.
Here ya go! From left to right: .22 (Model 45), .32 (unmarked), .38 (Model 10-7)
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Old 11-25-2019, 04:43 PM
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Default .32 S&W Long M&P 5"

How rare/scarce is the 5" version of the .32 M&P? (C 69xxx.)

Last edited by Obe; 07-09-2021 at 04:04 PM.
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